Thursday, November 08, 2007

Preview of Coming Attractions

Here's a sneak peek at the cover design for the new, updated edition of Vegan Lunch Box coming out this March from Da Capo Lifelong Books!

For the original, self-published edition my husband and I did all the typesetting, photography, and cover design ourselves. I'm excited to see what real fancy-pants professional publishers in New York City can do. I like what I've seen so far. What do you think?

The cookbook will contain all the recipes of the old edition, plus some new, and will be completely reorganized and stylized. Best of all, I think they've even lowered the price a bit!

how exciting! the real deal!(although kudos to you for self publishing, it is a daunting task and you made it happen!) Congrats! Can't wait until March. Is it going to be available for preorder on Amazon or anywhere?

I love my first edition and will be buying the second edition for gifts!

I noticed the cover too... your original edition cover photos were much more eye catching than this new one. I'm sure the publishers at Da Capo Lifelong Books have a good reason for it - probably to entice those who don't even know what vegan is. But it probably wouldn't catch my eye.

Congratulations, Jennifer! I'm looking forward to the new release. I do have to concur with some of the other commenters: Your orginial design was very appealing. I work in custom publishing; the only concern I have with the cover is that the meal they chose doesn't even come close to reflecting the ingenius, unusual, healthful meals readers will find inside. Other than the baby bananas, there's nothing here to spark the imagination, and you didn't get to be the award-winning guru you are by failure of imagination, yours or ours! If you've got any say, ask them to go for something else. Just my $.02. Take care!

I'm excited that it's going to be re-released, but I always wonder how the original purchasers of the first edition feel, for example, that new recipes are in the second version. It's great for people getting the new ones, but what about the others? They have to buy the same book or essentially the same book again to get the new recipes?

Ooh, I can't wait! I wasn't able to grab a copy of the first run, but this time around, I'll definitely snatch up a copy. Though, like many other posters, I do think the pictures on the other cover were more eye-catching.

I'll be next in line for this. I never got around to buying your last book and I sorely regret it. But I'm glad to see that your new book will be containing all of the recipes from the old book... right?? I have a son who is 1 an a month. :)

Also, I was hoping that you wouldn't mind me adding your link to my blogroll. I've had blogs in the past that got fairly popular (a natural living information one especially), but I'm starting one now on veg*nism and animal rights. There aren't entries yet, but I will be starting on entries starting tomorrow. I'd really love for you to be a part of my blog roll and perhaps once the list gets bigger you'd enjoy having the blog roll on your page as well? Anyhow I added you on it, just let me know if you'd like me to take you off instead :)

I don't like the new cover. That particular meal looks a lot smaller and less appetizing than the ones on the original cover, and kind of contributes to that stereotype that vegans don't really have much to eat. It's a very pretty picture, but I don't think it was the best choice to convey the delicious variety in your meals.

Ah, it looks great, but I like the original cover more - it's cute, clever and has a variety of font styles! =) I think the first one simply shows the TLC put into it, showing off its quirky and fun-loving personality more effectively than this new streamlined design. Regardless, though, I'm going to buy the new one once it comes out! =)

People generally feel Vegan food don’t have as much variety as other food. I hope you shall take it as a challenge and include wide variety of vegan food. I’m myself a vegan looking forward eagerly to the re-release.

I'm glad to see the new one coming out as I also didn't have a chance to buy the first edition. You did a fantastic job on the self-publishing and I much prefer your cover. Is it just me, or does the new cover look an awful lot like Lunch Lessons?

Couldn't find a contact email address on the site, but would love to hear your thoughts on the trials/tribulations of self-publishing. I myself am the author of The Gaijin Girl Guide (http://pitchblack70.tripod.com/gaijingirl/gaijingirl.html), which I've recently finished writing in book format. Would love to pick your brain on what you went through with Vegan Lunchbox! Best - and thanks for having blog out there...

I am excited that I have a chance to get the book. I wish they had used ANY of your photos. In fact, I plan to write and tell them so. Might be too late this time around, but I honestly almost cried when I saw the cover. I guess I'm just spoiled from reading your blog, but I think everyone should get the same wonderful treatment. If they put all your photos in the book, I'll be somewhat mollified.

I don't know if I should write to DeCapo Press at Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge MA 02142 or to Perseus Book Group at 387 Park Avenue South, 12th Floor, NY NY 10016. Do you know which one I should use?

I want this book to wildly successful for your sake and for all of us, and so I'm going to give them my opinion before they go to print.

Uhmm.... I think it's soo weird that everyones hating your new book cover- it's even making some people cry. Its just funny to me. I don't think the cover of your new book is that bad- in fact I think its cute.

The little sandwich cut outs, bananas, carrots, (whats that dip? could it be .. VEGAN?) and yummy cookies! Completely wholesome. It appears both to vegan, and non-vegan families. It's the perfect lunch box. Of course, going inside the book, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find all sorts of treats!

Comparing both book covers- they are basically the same. I'm sorry, I don't get it?

Anyhoo, I just had to say something. I'm amazed at all of this backlash it's ridiculous. There is absolutely nothing wrong with your new book cover. o_0 I'm curious how this is making you feel?

Brooks -- Actually, that *is* one of my photos, and many others will be in the book, too. I think they chose that picture because it looks very familiar, kid-friendly, and nonthreatening. I'm guessing they want to send the message that this book is approachable, even for busy moms and those in the mainstream. But if you still want to write, it's the address in New York.

>>I'm curious how this is making you feel?

Well, I think the new cover is cute and might appeal to a broad, more mainstream audience. But I also like my original cover design, which I think gave the audience a bigger hint at the wide variety of interesting, out-of-the-ordinary recipes inside.

I guess I'm just happy that the book will be available again soon, and more widely distributed than it was before, at bookstores and on the internet. Cover or no cover, I really hope that it sells well for the new publisher!

I was really hoping to get your book for Christmas, but since it's sold out I'll have to get it for my birthday in April instead (I'm chronically broke, can't afford to buy much else but food so everything else I need to get for my Christmas/birthday).

I too think your cover is a lot better! It looks more stylish and professional. I'm also a self-publishee myself, but hoping to get the English version of my medical textbook properly published.

I've so enjoyed your blog and especially your recipes for vegan cupcakes. My dairy phobic honey loves them. I was sorry I missed buying a copy of the self-published book, but am so happy for you that you've found a publisher. I wish you great success. I'll look forward to the new edition in March so I may review it on my blog The Vegetarian Review http://vegreview.blogspot.com/.

Jennifer,Being vegan and being so proactive to help others, so you or your friends use vegan skin care products? I use a certified vegan line if products that I love. It is the best product i have ever used. The company uses no mineral oil, no animal byproducts, no animal testing and has always been 100% vegan! Only botanical products, all natural and hypoallergenic. Please let me know of you or any of your fans are interested. i can send samples for youto try, navigate you thru the website, or meet with you if we are i the same city. Hope to hear from you soon.Kim

don't like the cover. food looks totally boring and uninspiring. I understand the appeal to the masses, but you could get that out there with something a little more cool and yummy looking. send them back to the drawing board. that said - YOU ROCK ON GIRL!!!